Meet the Commissioners
The Historic Preservation Commission consists of nine members appointed by the county executive with the confirmation of the county council. Each member is a resident of the county. The four fields of history, architecture, preservation and urban design shall be represented by a minimum of one member qualified by special interest, knowledge or training. The remaining members of the Commission shall, to the extent possible, be selected to represent the geographical, social, economic and cultural concerns of the residents of Montgomery County.
Karen Burditt
Chairman
Karen Burditt is the Sole Proprietor of Burditt Consulting, an architectural consulting firm. Her 31-year professional expertise includes urban planning, residential design, multifamily housing, interior design, and historic preservation. Ms. Burditt has served on the Board of Montgomery Preservation Inc. as the at-large member for Silver Spring since 2010. She has been active in her local community on the Board of Fenton Village Inc. and on the East Silver Spring Civic Association Committee to Investigate/Evaluate Historic District Status. Ms. Burditt earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Catholic University of America. She is a current member of the American Institute of Architects and the Construction Specification Institute.
Jeffrey Hains
Vice Chair
Jeffrey Hains is principal of Hains Architects in Bethesda and responsible for completed works throughout Maryland and the Washington metropolitan region. A Montgomery County resident for more than 24 years, Hains has served as a committee member on the Seven Oaks-Evanswood Civic Association, Old Silver Spring House Tour, Peerless Rockville Preservation Awards program and Springfield Neighborhood Association. He received a master of architecture degree from the University of Maryland and has served a guest critic for architecture school design reviews at the University of Maryland and Catholic University of America. Hains is a current member of the American Institute of Architects.
James Doman
Commissioner
James Doman has a BS degree (Material Science) from Michigan Technological University and a MS degree (Systems Engineering) from Ohio University. Currently retired, he worked for 25 years in the nuclear industry, holding various engineering and management positions while working for the GE Nuclear Business Group, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and as a Technical Consultant to the Department of Energy for disposal of nuclear waste.
In pursuit of his passion for carpentry, Mr. Doman changed careers and became a carpenter/home improvement contractor. After working for Oak Grove Restoration, Mr. Doman formed his own remodeling company, specializing in historic restoration and energy conservation in older homes. He received certifications as a Historic Preservation Specialist (Goucher College), lead abatement supervisor (EPA and Maryland) and Building Performance Analyst (Building Performance Institute). He has written several articles on incorporating energy efficient technology into the historic/older home. Working as a sub-contractor, he has been called on to do very demanding historic preservation carpentry for Dumbarton Oaks, the Luxemburg Embassy and the Residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, among others. In retirement, he keeps busy remodeling his children’s homes, maintaining the building and grounds at his church and making furniture.
Zara Naser
Commissioner
Zara Naser is a Silver Spring resident and has lived in Montgomery County since she immigrated to the US in 2009. She graduated from the University of Maryland with master’s degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation, and has been with David M. Schwarz Architects since then. She maintains membership as an associate in the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
J. Michael Galway
Commissioner
J. “Michael” Galway is a Senior Vice President with Loring Consulting Engineers, Inc. He is the Managing Principal in Loring’s Gaithersburg, MD office and a supporting Principal in Loring’s Washington, DC office. He is a registered Professional Engineer, is an ASHRAE Member, is Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD), and he is a LEED© Accredited BD+C Professional with over 40 years of experience in engineering design . Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, and is licensed to practice in numerous States throughout the USA. Michael has extensive experience with historic preservation, restoration, modernization, and rehabilitation, including such notable buildings as the US Supreme Court, the Virginia State House, the Wyoming State Capitol, the Michigan State Capitol, the Philadelphia Custom House, the New Jersey State House, and the Smithsonian Castle and AIB buildings.
Marc Dominianni
Commissioner
Marc Dominianni is a resident of Potomac, Maryland, and had a longtime passion for historic preservation. He studied City and Regional Planning at Cornell University, where he benefitted from specialized graduate level coursework in historic preservation planning and participate in several hands-on workshops. He is keenly interested in our area’s history and as an active user of the county’s historic spaces is happy to help preserve our cherished resources by serving on the Historic Preservation Commission. Marc also holds a masters from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where he specialized in economic and political development.
Saundra Prather
Commissioner
Saundra Prather is a distinguished Executive Leader and resident of historic Prathertown. With over 30 years of professional experience, Saundra brings a dynamic blend of expertise in real estate, information technology program management, community revitalization, and inclusive leadership. Her career reflects a deep commitment to preserving heritage.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Maryland and is a Maryland State Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. Saundra is also a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), underscoring her dedication to sustainable and accessible housing solutions.
Her professional affiliations include active memberships in the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR), Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Through these networks, Saundra continues to advocate for thoughtful development, historic preservation, and inclusive community engagement.
Carly Bond
Commissioner
Carly Bond is the Director of Architectural History and Historic Preservation for the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Planning, Design, and Construction. Carly oversees the Smithsonian’s historic preservation compliance and contracts for architectural conservation and historic preservation services. She holds a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Carly joined the Smithsonian and moved to Silver Spring, Maryland, in 2016 after working for over a decade with the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Carly is a Recognized Professional by the Association for Preservation Technology International.